TIFFIN – It took more than 40 minutes and 14 lead changes, but the Heidelberg University Men's Basketball team delivered a thrilling comeback against a determined Otterbein University squad, securing a 73-67 overtime victory. The Student Princes improved to 13-6 on the season and 9-3 in OAC play, while the Cardinals fell to 10-9 overall and 5-7 in the conference.

Trailing 60-56 with just over a minute remaining in regulation, Heidelberg showed poise under pressure. Eric Panning ignited the rally by grabbing a crucial defensive rebound and dishing the ball to Elijah Harden, who quickly found a streaking Markell Johnson-Nichols. Johnson-Nichols attacked the rim with confidence, trimming the deficit to one possession. After two missed opportunities by Otterbein, Heidelberg turned to their steady big man, Eric Panning, who delivered one of the night's defining moments—a fastbreak layup to tie the game at 60 with just 19 seconds left. Panning's and-one opportunity gave the Student Princes a brief one-point lead, but Otterbein responded by Cam Evans sinking two clutch free throws to reclaim the advantage with 6.2 seconds to play.

In a dramatic turn, Heidelberg drew two fouls in the game's final six seconds. Out of timeouts, Johnson-Nichols was forced to race the length of the court. With a head of steam, he was fouled in the paint and was sent to the line in the one-and-one. He missed the front end, but Panning was mauled on the rebound, drawing yet another whistle. Panning, in the double-bonus, calmly knocked down the tying free throw. On his next attempt, he drew front iron, but Drew Panning was called for a push-off on the rebound -- sending Otterbein's Alex Hannah to the line in the bonus, with a chance to win it with 0.4 seconds left. His foul shot missed, and Manny Hill snared the rebound to send the game into overtime.

In the extra session, the Student Princes took control. Heidelberg's defense locked in during the period, forcing turnovers and contesting every Cardinal shot. On the offensive end, Johnson-Nichols and Hill sealed the victory at the free-throw line, combining for critical makes to put the game out of reach.

Panning finished with a dominant double-double, tallying 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Johnson-Nichols added 15 points, including several clutch moments that kept Heidelberg's hopes alive. Elijah Harden added 10 points and five assists in the win. Jaiden Guerra-Howard and Manny Hill added 10 points on the night. 

Heidelberg will travel to Berea on Wednesday, Feb. 5 to take on the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets. That game is slated for a 7 p.m. tip off.